Best Hot Spot Restaurants in Berkeley

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodJapaneseChinese

Regions

East BaySan Francisco

Neighborhoods

AlamedaAlbanyBerkeleyChinatownCivic Center / Hayes Valley / Van NessDowntown / Union Square

Top Rated

CharmingDog-friendlyFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasions

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

31 restaurants available nearby

1. La Marcha

4.6

Exceptional(1254)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Spanish • Berkeley

Booked 35 times today

La Marcha Tapas Bar, located in Berkeley, California, is a culinary gem led by Chef Sergio Monleon and Chef Emily Sarlatte. Known for its innovative Spanish cuisine, La Marcha offers signature paella dishes and a variety of delightful tapas. The restaurant has earned accolades including listed in the Michelin Guide, Best of the Bay awards, and recognition among the top 5 Spanish restaurants by several publications. Situated near landmarks such as UC Berkeley and BAMPFA, it boasts a cozy, rustic atmosphere perfect for any occasion. Committed to community service, Chef Sergio, Chef Emily, and the team actively participate in local and global charitable initiatives. Join us at La Marcha Tapas Bar for an unforgettable dining experience that celebrates the vibrant flavors and culture of Spain.

A photo of Millennium Oakland restaurant

2. Millennium Oakland

4.6

Exceptional(1356)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Vegan • Oakland

Booked 9 times today

Since 1994 Millennium has been committed to providing fresh, innovative vegan cuisine. Millennium offers globally inspired plant-based fare in an inviting fine dining setting. Working with small farms, our menu changes constantly to showcase the finest local, sustainable, and organic produce at its peak. Thoughtfully blending flavors from around the world with classic techniques, we create vibrant dishes that are exciting to diners of all kinds. Our bar features inventive cocktails highlighting our house-made infusions and fresh juices, as well as craft beers and an internationally recognized wine list.

3. Juanita & Maude

4.9

Exceptional(1774)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• American • Albany

Booked 11 times today

An intimate neighborhood restaurant, Juanita & Maude features Chef Scott Eastman's personal take on American Cuisine. The daily changing menu highlights classic dishes including Michelin Guide's top 5 hamburger in California. His refined comfort food is matched with seasonal craft cocktails and an international wine list. Juanita & Maude's lively dining room or serene outdoor patio is the perfect spot for a night out, celebration or special occasion. Conveniently located near the corner of Solano and San Pablo Avenues.

A photo of Grand Lake Kitchen - Lake Merritt restaurant

4. Grand Lake Kitchen - Lake Merritt

4.7

Exceptional(680)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Oakland

Booked 51 times today

Grand Lake Kitchen - Lake Merritt is a hot spot for its warm hospitality, delicious food, and fantastic service. It's a go-to place for catching up with friends, having business dinners, or just enjoying a casual brunch. The food is consistently praised as delicious, interesting, and comforting with good cocktails. The atmosphere inside and out is frequently described as great, friendly, and down-to-earth. The place is generally busy and gets a mix of locals and visitors, making it a reliable spot for food by the lake.

A photo of alaMar Dominican Kitchen restaurant

5. alaMar Dominican Kitchen

4.6

Exceptional(202)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Caribbean • Oakland

Booked 3 times today

alaMar is a Contemporary Dominican Kitchen located in the hip Uptown Oakland area. Bravo TV's Top Chef Season 18 Contestant, Chef Nelson German, dives deep into his Dominican culture at alaMar by offering a regional menu of foods he grew up on that his mom, grandmother, and Aunt Maritza would cook and NYC-style Dominican street foods he enjoyed as a child. German brings a unique take to family recipes with his contemporary NYC twist on traditional dishes, including his popular braised oxtail dish. There is indoor seating and a dog-friendly patio with heaters for al fresco dining. The not-to-be-missed craft cocktail program reflects Caribbean influences such as the signature Mamajuana cocktail.

A photo of House of Prime Rib restaurant

6. House of Prime Rib

4.8

Exceptional(15962)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Steak • Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness

Booked 241 times today

62 years of loyal customers can't be wrong. We are grateful to all of our customers, employees, and critics (...though we may not always agree!). The only way to find out the truth is with a visit. Oft imitated, never duplicated. Thank you in advance.

A photo of Kokkari Estiatorio restaurant

7. Kokkari Estiatorio

4.8

Exceptional(9201)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 108 times today

Kokkari (pronounced “Ko-Kar-ee”) is a small fishing village located on the islands of Samos in the Aegean Sea, whose name is derived from the small onions that were once produced in the nearby fields. Its fertile soil and Mediterranean climate translated into an abundance of fresh produce as well as treasured seafood and game. Legend tells that Kokkari is the site where Orion, a mighty hunter and a young man of gigantic stature and great beauty, fell in love with the daughter of the king of Chios. For the love of her, Orion forged the island for wild game and seafood to prepare elaborate banquets in celebration of their love. Today, we hope you will enjoy your own celebration as you dine at Kokkari Estiatorio on food “fit for the Gods” prepared with an Aegean palate and the style of innovative California fare.

A photo of The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus - San Francisco restaurant

8. The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus - San Francisco

4.8

Exceptional(6189)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Downtown / Union Square

Booked 115 times today

The Rotunda serves afternoon tea seven days a week beginning at 1:30 p.m. A tea experience reservation is necessary to enjoy our daily tea service. Any dietary restrictions must be noted at least 24 hours in advance of your reservation.Please use link below to reserve your tea experience.https://www.opentable.com/booking/experiences-availability?rid=889&restref=889&experienceId=35326Let THE ROTUNDA® host your next Baby or Bridal Shower. We pride ourselves on creating the perfect menu and ambience for your event in our chic and inviting atmosphere. Pamper the glowing bride- or mother-to-be in your life with the shower of her dreams or a lavish luncheon.*February 22, the outside elevator is under construction. Enter through any of the outside NM entrances, take any elevator to the 4th floor.

A photo of Original Joe's - San Francisco restaurant

9. Original Joe's - San Francisco

4.7

Exceptional(4276)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • North Beach

Booked 99 times today

Original Joe’s is the quintessential, classic San Francisco dining experience. A fabric of the City for over 80 years, it is located in the heart of the historic and majestic North Beach, a mecca for natives, tourists, and culinary aficionados alike.Original Joe’s is the oldest of all existing Joe’s restaurants in the country and is the innovator of what is now nationally known as the “Joe’s Concept”. With its signature red leather booths, legendary smooth cocktails, and renowned Italian American menu, Joe’s has come to signify its own Northern Californian category of food and symbolizes classic Italian American comfort food at its finest.

10. Waterbar

4.6

Exceptional(10993)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 98 times today

Waterbar is a seafood-centric restaurant located on the waterfront with spectacular panoramic views of the bay and city skyline, exceptional design, and a menu of the freshest sustainable fish and seafood. Featuring stunning outdoor (dog-friendly) dining on the waterfront patio, a relaxed atmosphere and floor-to-ceiling circular aquariums filled with an eye-catching array of fish and marine life from the Pacific Ocean. Waterbar is not to be missed.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

W
William Edward
San Francisco Bay Area •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
The food was FABULOUS!!! We had the Oxtails (A++), the Red Snapper (A+++) Service was personal and thoughtful!
More info
alaMar Dominican KitchenPrice: Expensive• Caribbean• Oakland
•
4.6
A
Andrew
San Francisco Bay Area •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Always a wonderful experience. The staff are consummate professionals and the food always leaves satisfied, grateful, and appropriately full.
More info
Millennium OaklandPrice: Expensive• Vegan• Oakland
•
4.6
S
Sammi Meng
San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Scallop risotto, French dip sandwich, and black cod couscous were all awesome! Definitely worth trying. But my fave was the Brussels sprouts!!! They were crunchy with just the right amount of sweetness, vinegar, and that panasan cheese. So good!
More info
Grand Lake Kitchen - Lake MerrittPrice: Moderate• American• Oakland
•
4.7
D
Deanne
San Francisco Bay Area •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
One of our favorite spots, we introduced good friends to La Marcha and no one was disappointed. The service was friendly and we were well cared for. Our table request was honored. The food was excellent. We appreciate the menu offers several options for paella, including more than one that is pork-free. So we ordered two to share along with a selection of tapas. We missed the orange olive cake, which was not on the menu that evening and is one of our favorites, but the churros were enjoyed. Another great experience at La Marcha!
More info
La MarchaPrice: Expensive• Spanish• Berkeley
•
4.6
J
Jodie
Jacksonville / Northeast Florida •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Food, service and cocktails are always outstanding.
More info
Juanita & MaudePrice: Very Expensive• American• Albany
•
4.9

Explore OpenTable

Neighborhood
Hot spot

Berkeley

Capitola
Morgan Hill
Yountville
Hillsdale
Santa Clara
North Beach
Emeryville
Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness
Danville
Santa Cruz
San Mateo
Tomales
Glen Ellen
Tiburon
Sausalito
Downtown / Union Square
Palo Alto
Sonoma
Greenbrae
San Ramon